Old Gasworks Tank Chassis

Gazing up at this skeletal frame against the Singapore sky, one might wonder about its past life. This, my friends, is the Old Gasworks Tank Chassis, a relic of Singapore’s industrial heritage. The Old Gasworks Tank Chassis stands as a testament to the Kallang Gasworks, which illuminated Singapore for over a century. Kallang Gasworks began operations in 1862. It was the largest gasworks in Southeast Asia and the first to manufacture gas from coal in Singapore. The original site housed four tanks. Tanks 1 and 2, constructed in 1862, met their end in 1957. Tank 3 came before 1900, while Tank 4 arose between 1908 and 1909. The Old Gasworks Tank Chassis we see today is the remnants of Tank 3. The Kallang Gasworks, initially built for street lighting, saw its primary function fade as electricity took over in 1906. Yet, the demand for gas persisted, fueling homes and industries. The gasworks served Singapore continuously for 137 years, pausing only briefly during the World Wars. The plant switched from coal to oil in 1958, marking a significant shift in its operations. In 1997, production moved to the Senoko Gasworks, and the Kallang Gasworks closed its doors on March 23, 1998. The public was allowed onto the site on March 26, 1998. This marked the first time the public could view the Old Gasworks Tank Chassis and the plant structures. It was a poignant farewell to a landmark that had shaped Singapore’s skyline and powered its progress. The Old Gasworks Tank Chassis now stands within Kallang Riverside Park, a silent observer of the bustling city. This metal skeleton is more than just rusting metal. It’s a tangible piece of Singapore’s history, a reminder of the Kallang Gasworks that once lit the streets and fueled the growth of this vibrant nation.